Phytochemical profile, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory potentials of Gynura bicolor DC

BACKGROUNDThe phytochemical composition of aqueous and ethanol extracts from Gynura bicolorDC., a vegetable, was determined. Human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVE) cells were used to examine the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory potentials of these extracts at 1, 2 or 4% (v/v) against high-glucose-induced injury. RESULTSBoth aqueous and ethanol extracts contained phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids and anthocyanins in the ranges 1428-1569, 1934-2175, 921-1007 and 2135-2407 mg per 100 g dry weight respectively. Both extracts were rich in quercetin, lutein, malvidin and pelargonidin. Addition of these extracts at test doses decreased reactive oxygen species formation, preserved glutathione content and retained glutathione peroxide and catalase activities in high-glucose-treated HUVE cells (P < 0.05). Treatments with these extracts at 2 and 4% lowered interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and prostaglandin E-2 production and reduced cyclooxygenase-2 activity (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONThese findings suggest that this vegetable could be considered as a functional food and might provide antioxidative and anti-inflammatory protection. (c) 2014 Society of Chemical Industry